In addition to the patches and transmitters, you’ll need the following equipment:

The night before putting patches on cows can be spent putting transmitters in patches. Use a Magic Marker or tag marker or similar ink pen and write the ID number of the transmitter on the patch . The ID number is on the front of the transmitter inside the parentheses. So if it reads 1(4144), that transmitters ID is 4144. It doesn’t matter which end of the transmitter goes in first, as long as the button is on the top side. Make sure you get the transmitter tightly in the inside enclosure before you Velcro it shut. (After each patch is put on each cow, simply write down on a piece of paper which transmitter is glued on which cow.) It is very important to write the correct number on the patch. Take you’re time doing this and double-check each transmitter/patch. Writing an incorrect number on a patch can cause a lot of problems.

There should be two patch application work areas in your chute…the head lock in the squeeze chute and the holding area for the next cow in line right behind it. The cow’s tailhead should be clipped down in the holding area (not all the way, but enough to remove winter-shed hair…make sure you have a sheep head on the clipper so you don’t take too much off) and then blown clean with a blower (like those used for show animals). We cannot stress the importance of blowing all the dirt, dust, and dander off of the cow. This may be the single biggest factor in getting a patch to stay on securely.

When the cow is in the headlock, spray glue should be applied over the clean, tailhead area in an area just larger than the size of the patch so the edges will have enough glue to stay down. Peel the paper from the back of the patch being careful not to allow the edges to fold in on the glue. Avoid streching the patch out of shape. A little water on your fingers will keep the glue on the patches from sticking to your skin. Place the patch on the glued area, making sure that the transmitter is as close to the center of the spine as possible. Press the patch down firmly. Make sure glue is under all the edges. If an edge is unglued, lift the edge and spray more glue underneath, then press the edge down firmly. Check the patch one last time making sure there are no bubbles and that is tightly secured.

Many times a cow will drag her hoof across one end of the patch when dismounting causing the patch to peel up. If you are having trouble keeping the patch on , you can spray the tailhead area with isopropyl alcohol and then wipe it off with a towel. This helps remove oil from the hair and provide for better adhesion.

The tail strap should be attached so in case the patch comes off with excessive mounting, it will not hit the ground. To attach the strap, make sure the upper part of the tail is as clean as possible. Use a curry comb to remove as much manure and urine as possible. Currying against the grain of the hair will fluff it up. Use scissors or a knife to about 10 inches of elastikon tape and about 8 inches of duct tape. Put a small dab of glue on the tail, wrap the elasticon around 1 time, put the strap down over the elastikon and finish wrapping. Wrap the duct tape around the elasticon.

If using the hog ring method, select an area between the tailhead and pinbone. Pinch some hide together and pierce the skin with the hog ring and pliers. Use a cable tie between the hog ring and the grommet on the patch strap. Cut off the excess cable tie.

Write down the number of the cow and the transmitter she is wearing and she is ready to turn out.

A 5-person system is what I like to work with. More are better. Less will slow the process down.

• #1 moves the cow into the holding area, clips her and blows her clean.
• #2 and #3 move her into the headlock. #2 sprays the glue. They both share in putting the tail strap on. One holds the tail while the other works on it.
• #4 is the material person, cutting tape, peeling the patch, and writing down cow ID and transmitter ID.
• #5 operates the chute and assists where necessary.

If I have a six available, I’ll usually have him/her moving cows into the area. If I have a seventh available, it will be to help clip and blow.